Daredevil Alex Honnold to Climb Taipei 101 Live on Netflix

Professional rock climber Alex Honnold is set to take on an extraordinary challenge as he attempts to climb the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper live on Netflix on January 24, 2026. Standing at an impressive height of 1,667 feet (508 meters) and comprising 101 storeys, the building has long captured the imagination of climbers and adventurers alike. Honnold will perform this ascent in his characteristic free solo style—without any ropes or protective gear.

The announcement of this event has sparked a mix of excitement and concern. Many fans are thrilled at the prospect of witnessing such a daring feat, while others have raised ethical questions about broadcasting a high-risk climb live. Honnold, who is a married father of two, faces scrutiny regarding his decision to continue pushing the limits of climbing in light of his family responsibilities.

Honnold first gained international fame for his ropeless ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a feat immortalized in the documentary ‘Free Solo’. Reflecting on his motivations, he stated, “When you look at climbing objectives, you look for things that are singular. Something like El Capitan where it’s way bigger and way prouder than all the things around it.”

Preparation and Challenges Ahead

This will not be Honnold’s first attempt to climb Taipei 101, but he will be the first to do so without any safety equipment. French climber Alain Robert previously scaled the building in 2004 during its grand opening, a climb that took nearly four hours, compounded by challenging weather conditions. Honnold has been training intensively for this climb, having practiced the specific moves and consulted with Robert for insights.

“I don’t think it’ll be that extreme,” Honnold mentioned. “I think it’s the perfect sweet spot where it’s hard enough to be engaging for me and obviously an interesting climb.” The most challenging segment of the ascent will be the “bamboo boxes,” which form the building’s midsection. Honnold will navigate eight sections of eight floors each, featuring steep climbing interspersed with resting balconies.

The live broadcast, titled ‘Skyscraper Live’, will begin with a 10-second delay to ensure safety measures can be implemented if any problems arise during the climb. James Smith, an executive from Plimsoll Productions, emphasized that safety is a top priority. “We’ve consulted safety advisers almost immediately after I first spoke with Honnold about this,” he explained.

Addressing Ethical Concerns

As the event approaches, concerns have emerged regarding the ethical implications of airing such a dangerous endeavor. Subbu Vincent, director of media and journalism ethics at Santa Clara University, highlighted the necessity of a “back-off clause” for Honnold. This clause would allow him to halt the climb if conditions become unsafe. Vincent also pointed out the importance of the broadcast delay, stating, “I don’t think it’s ethical to proceed to livestream anything after an incident occurs.”

The influence of Honnold’s climb on younger audiences is another point of contention. Some worry that his daring feats may encourage risky behavior among impressionable viewers. Jeff Smoot, author of ‘All and Nothing: Inside Free Soloing’, noted the longstanding debate surrounding the portrayal of risk in climbing culture. He remarked that embracing risk is an intrinsic part of climbing, but emphasized the need for caution and responsibility in how such feats are presented to the public.

As anticipation builds for this historic event, local Taiwanese climber Chin Tzu-hsiang expressed his admiration for Honnold. “For Alex Honnold to finish the climb, it’s like he’s helping us fulfill our dream,” he said, reflecting the excitement and hope surrounding the ascent.

Ultimately, this climb represents more than just a thrilling spectacle—it raises profound questions about risk, responsibility, and the nature of ambition in the climbing community. With the world watching, Honnold’s ascent of Taipei 101 promises to be a moment of both inspiration and reflection.